VOA标准英语2012--Egyptian Presidential Hopeful Promises Islamic, Inclusive Future

Egyptian Presidential Hopeful Promises Islamic, Inclusive Future

Morsi wasn't the first choice for president of the Islamist group, Muslim Brotherhood¹. But with its lead candidate disqualified, Morsi has grasped his role as an accidental front-runner with gusto.

Whether working a crowd, or a roomful of politicians, the head of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice party plays to his audience with seasoned awareness².

To the students at Zagizig University, Morsi encourages questioning and activism. He says even after the election of a new president, even if he's elected, he wants the revolution to continue.

To supporters in his home village of Edwa, the U.S.-educated engineer stresses his humble³, country roots.

He connects with the crowd by pointing out “we weren't born with a gold spoon in our mouths.” His father, he recalls, toiled⁴ and sweated, and would take him to school on the back of donkey. 

The rise of Islmist influence

And wherever he speaks, Morsi makes clear Egypt will be transformed - politically, economically and socially through the principles of Islam. It is balm for many of the faithful, who relied on the once-banned Brotherhood during the hardships of the old government.

Mohamed Morsi deserves the presidency⁵, supporter Hannan Zakaria says, explaining that, before, she felt she lived in exile. Now, under him, she says she is living in Egypt. 

This vision of a new Egypt is deeply religious and, often, deeply suspicious of all things foreign - a point Morsi jokingly acknowledges at his home in Edwa.

“This is the origin of the Egyptians, in Delta⁶ Nile," he said. "So it's better to talk Arabic. If they hear me they may get angry. You understand the situation, of course.”

Living in 'harmony'

The rise of a nativist, Islamist influence has alarmed some Egyptians - including the nation's minority Coptic Christians⁷. Morsi's wife, Nagla Ali, insists the two groups can live in harmony.

She says “there are no problems between Muslims and Christians, especially with true Muslims, those enlightened by the true principles of Islam.”

But religious problems may pale next to practical concerns. Morsi's message and credentials⁸ are strong - the former opposition⁹ legislator was arrested during last year's uprising. But he carries the burden of the Brotherhood's promise to limit its role in politics. 

Voter Sayed Hosni faults the group for initially¹⁰ promising¹¹ not to field a presidential candidate. He calls on the Brotherhood to keep its word. 

Morsi's party already dominates parliament, and that too has put off some, who argue it has done little to improve the lives of average Egyptians. 

Voter Magdi says the economy is at a standstill. He points to his cheap clothing and the bad transportation he endures. “You want us to elect Morsi and those like him,” he asks. 

The era of accountability has begun for Egypt's best-organized movement. It's now up to Morsi to bridge the past and the future in what is likely to be Egypt's first, truly contested presidential election.

1 brotherhood   

n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊

参考例句：

• They broke up the brotherhood.他们断绝了兄弟关系。
• They live and work together in complete equality and brotherhood.他们完全平等和兄弟般地在一起生活和工作。

2 awareness   

n.意识，觉悟，懂事，明智

参考例句：

• There is a general awareness that smoking is harmful.人们普遍认识到吸烟有害健康。
• Environmental awareness has increased over the years.这些年来人们的环境意识增强了。

3 humble   

adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低

参考例句：

• In my humble opinion,he will win the election.依我拙见，他将在选举中获胜。
• Defeat and failure make people humble.挫折与失败会使人谦卑。

4 toiled   

长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉

参考例句：

• They toiled up the hill in the blazing sun. 他们冒着炎炎烈日艰难地一步一步爬上山冈。
• He toiled all day long but earned very little. 他整天劳碌但挣得很少。

5 presidency   

n.总统(校长，总经理)的职位(任期)

参考例句：

• Roosevelt was elected four times to the presidency of the United States.罗斯福连续当选四届美国总统。
• Two candidates are emerging as contestants for the presidency.两位候选人最终成为总统职位竞争者。

6 delta   

n.（流的）角洲

参考例句：

• He has been to the delta of the Nile.他曾去过尼罗河三角洲。
• The Nile divides at its mouth and forms a delta.尼罗河在河口分岔，形成了一个三角洲。

7 Christians   

n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Christians of all denominations attended the conference. 基督教所有教派的人都出席了这次会议。
• His novel about Jesus caused a furore among Christians. 他关于耶稣的小说激起了基督教徒的公愤。

8 credentials   

n.证明，资格，证明书，证件

参考例句：

• He has long credentials of diplomatic service.他的外交工作资历很深。
• Both candidates for the job have excellent credentials.此项工作的两个求职者都非常符合资格。

9 opposition   

n.反对，敌对

参考例句：

• The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
• The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。

10 initially   

adv.最初，开始

参考例句：

• The ban was initially opposed by the US.这一禁令首先遭到美国的反对。
• Feathers initially developed from insect scales.羽毛最初由昆虫的翅瓣演化而来。

11 promising   

adj.有希望的，有前途的

参考例句：

• The results of the experiments are very promising.实验的结果充满了希望。
• We're trying to bring along one or two promising young swimmers.我们正设法培养出一两名有前途的年轻游泳选手。